1935-09-26

26.9.35

My dear Mr. Bjerke-Petersen,

Thank you very much for your letter, for the copy of "Konkretion", + for the illustrated books which you have sent me. I cannot say I have read [understreget] them, because unfortunately I do not know a word of Danish; but I have looked at the illustrations with great interest, and rejoice to find such a lively movement in the arts of Scandinavia.

There are a good number of surrealist painters + poets in this country, but as yet they are not organised into a definite group. There is, however, a possibility that something will be done, and I have asked Mr David Gascoyne to write to you + put you in touch with the English movement. Through him you will be able to obtain contributions for "Konkretion". His present adress is: 402 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, Middlesex [adressen understreget]. But I think you can rely on hearing from him.

Two younger art critics who might help you are:
Geoffrey Grigson, 4a Keats Grove, London, N.W.3
Hugh Gordon Porteus, 146 Warwick Street, London, S.W.1.

[side 2]

You probably already know the magazine AXIS. The address of the editress is: Miss Evans, Fawley Bottom Farm, near Henley-on-Thames. It is predominantly "abstraction-création" as opposed to "surréaliste", but no doubt you could arrange to collaborate in some way:

I would willingly collaborate myself, but it is difficult to find the time to satisfy all the demands that are made on me. It seems to me, however, that there could be no objection to your publishing in Danish [understreget] what I have published elsewhere in English [understreget]. For example, in the next number of AXIS I shall have an article on Jean Hélion; and the week after next, in the "Listener" (BBC journal), an article on Ben Nicholson. The only condition, I think, is that the first publication (in point of date) should be with the English magazines. I think, therefore, it would be better to wait untill your November issue. If you agree to this proposal, I will send you copies of the articles, and photographs if you are able to reproduce them.

I too am sorry that we did not meet when I was in Copenhagen. I hope, however, to come again. It is probable that one of my best friends is coming to the British Embassy in Copenhagen.

Yours sincerely

Herbert Read